Neurogenic Bladder—Child

Definition

Neurogenic bladder is abnormal bladder function caused by a nerve problem. The bladder may empty too often or at the wrong time. This is called
incontinence
. In other cases, the bladder may be unable to completely empty the urine. This is called urinary retention. Urine may leak out of the overfilled bladder.

Causes

This condition is caused by problems with the nerves carrying messages between the bladder and the brain. In children, neurogenic bladder may be due to a birth defect that affects the spinal cord, such as
spina bifida
. It may be caused by:

These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. If your child has any of these symptoms, talk to the doctor.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will also be done. The doctor may ask you to keep a diary of how often your child empties his bladder and other urinary habits. If the doctor thinks that the symptoms may be caused by a nerve problem, your child may need tests, such as:

Urinalysis—test of the urine to look for evidence of infection or kidney problems

Blood tests—to look for evidence of kidney problems

Bladder function tests—to measure how well the muscles of the bladder respond to filling and emptying

Sometimes imaging tests may also be done, like:

X-rays
—a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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